Hummus in Pita Pockets

Hummus in Pita Pockets

Serving Size : 8
Preparation Time : 35 minutes

Ingredients
3 cups chickpeas -- cooked and drained
4 cloves garlic -- minced
1 teaspoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced celery
1 cup coarsely chopped tomatoes
1 cup peeled and seeded cucumber -- coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons Cane Vinegar
3 teaspoons olive oil
2 large rounds whole wheat pita bread
2 cups shredded lettuce

1. In a food processor or blender, puree chick-peas, garlic, tamari sauce, lemon juice, and tahini until smooth. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl combine parsley, red onion, celery, tomatoes, cucumber, vinegar, and olive oil, and toss well. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.

3. Slice pita rounds in half. Open each half carefully and spread with hummus. Stuff with lettuce and marinated vegetables, including a small spoonful of the marinade. Serve immediately.

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Per serving: 489 Calories; 19g Fat (33% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 64g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 132mg Sodium

NOTES : A traditional dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, Hummus is a healthy and very versatile hors d'oeuvre that combines sesame tahini and chick-peas to provide a good source of protein. Here, it is spread into whole wheat pita pockets and layered with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. The pita sandwiches can be cut into wedges for snacks or appetizers or served with mugs of hot soup as a hearty lunch.